Vale Mieke Fortune, Wallaroo number 34

The Australian Rugby community has today mourned the loss of Wallaroo #34, Mieke Fortune (nee Gladwin) following an ongoing battle with breast cancer, aged 40.

Fortune made her debut against New Zealand in 1996, at the age of 19 and continued playing through until 2002, where she played her last match against Scotland at the Women's Rugby World Cup in Spain.

Fortune, known as a powerful lock, earned ten Test caps for Australia and also represented Queensland and the University of Queensland at a state and club level.

A Beef stud-cattle breeder and producer, Fortune was passionate about farming and providing quality produce for the community, where alongside husband Graham, ran a successful wholesale production nursery on the Sunshine coast.

Since her admittance to hospital, Fortune has been surrounded by her former team mates, family and friends with messages of support from past and present members of the Rugby community being sent in daily.

Rugby Australia's Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: "It is with a great sense of sadness that we offer our condolences to Mieke's family.

"Being the 34th capped Wallaroo, Mieke was one of the pioneers of Women's Rugby within Australia.

"She will be remembered by those who knew her for her passion for Rugby, the country and farming, and her brave battle has provided inspiration for many who will sorely miss her."

The Buildcorp Wallaroo's will wear black armbands in their upcoming clash against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium Sydney on Saturday 18 August.

Mieke Fortune is survived by her husband Graham and their three children.